Ratchet & Clank Review

Joe Anderson
|
8 months ago

It’s not often we get a cartoon style adventure title these days. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new Jak & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot or Ratchet & Clank, but thankfully the latter is back and with quite the bang too, given that this later release is probably one of the best games released on PlayStation 4 to date.

While Ratchet & Clank follows the same story as the 2002 original, this latest version also mixes things up by not only keeping what is great about that game and the series in general, but also by bringing in some great new and refreshing ideas. While you’ll recognise the humour, characters and world that has made many good memories for a lot of people, this reimagining suddenly makes it all feel a lot more real. While it’s always felt like Insomniac has been aiming for the Pixar style feel, but never quite succeeded, here it really has. Ratchet & Clank is a colourful, fun and quite frankly stunning game to both play and feast your eyes on.

The presentation is just top notch, from the lighting, to the animation and the action itself, Ratchet & Clank shines on PS4 and it’s so fun to play that you’ll probably not put it down until the credits are rolling and even then there’s still plenty of world left to explore. We all love the characters of course, from Captain Qwark, to the heroes themselves and there's just something about this version of the game that makes them come to life. It makes it a joy watch the story unfold and to get to know them all over again.

It’s not often I laugh at a game, but Ratchet & Clank is so full of humour and fun that it’s hard not to crack a smile. Throughout the campaign, which is around 10-15 hours long, depending on how you play, you’ll get sucked into both its well written story and the action, which packs in all the bizarre and fun to use weapons that you’ll have come to expect from the series. Whether using the Pixelizer, Sheepinator or summoning Mr. Zurkon to blast enemies away.

Ratchet & Clank isn’t just a pretty face with some button bashing action either, as thanks to the ability to buy new weapons and upgrade them, it has depth too. Each gun can be upgraded via a grid, which slowly fills out and gives access to, not only more powerful weaponry, but other bonuses too. As things move on you’ll also find brilliant equipment that brings even more fun to the game, such as Clank’s Helicopter upgrade which allows you to reach higher heights and fly over large gaps or Clank’s boots, that allow you to grind on rails. There’s even a jetpack to be had and a fun level to use it in.

When it comes to exploring you may or may not be familiar with planets such as Novallis, Aridia, Pokitaru and Rilgar, which do have a similar layout to the original game. But even then, areas such as Veldin and Kerwan feel completely different, while planets such as Gaspar are completely new. This game offers so much content and polish that it makes you wonder why Sony didn’t charge more money for it.

As for the action, the enemy AI feels even better than ever. While in 2002 it probably wasn’t at its finest, here you’ll certainly be in for a huge challenge, as enemies come at you from all directions and end of level bosses feel more powerful than ever. There’s even spaceship levels where you’ll fly around shooting down enemy gunships.

It’s not all about the action of course, as you’ll find yourself swimming, having hoverboard races, collecting all manner of items and solving puzzles. There’s even optional side missions which help pad the game out even more, although these are certainly not a task to play, but just another excuse to keep playing - not that you’ll need one.

Given that the RRP of Ratchet & Clank is south of £28 on ShopTo, it’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to try this game. It’s full of humour, has fantastic action and looks as good as, if not better than any game released on either the PS4 or Xbox One so far. It’s fair to say that this is probably one of the best games we’ve played this year, if not the best.

Ratchet & Clank may be low in price, but it’s high on quality, so why not take a risk on it, you won’t regret it.

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